More than ten suspected sham marriages have been exposed since data sharing powers were given to local authorities.

Since July this year, 12 marriages were prevented by Enfield Borough Council and the Home Office.

These unions were suspected as sham due to the immigration status of the people who were taking part, and if the marriages or civil partnerships were to take place, would lead to people remaining in the country who had no right to do so.

Councillor Andrew Stafford, Enfield Council’s cabinet member for finance said: “Enfield Council takes a dim view of sham marriages, and those who arrange a false wedding simply to remain in the UK.

“Because of this we work closely with our colleagues in the Home Office to expose and endeavour to stop every marriage or civil partnership that we feel could be suspicious, and I am delighted to see that 12 such unions since July have been investigated and further action has been taken.”